For decades, golfers have dreamed about playing the world's best golf courses, only to discover that many top-ranked venues are private clubs accessible only through member invitations. That changes now with our groundbreaking Best Golf Courses in the World You Can Play ranking—the definitive list of world-class golf courses you can book with a simple phone call and credit card.
Top 100 Golf Courses has always focused on identifying the world's finest golf courses, regardless of accessibility. Our new Best Golf Courses in the World You Can Play ranking changes that approach by highlighting exceptional courses that welcome public play.
This comprehensive ranking is a carefully curated derivative of our prestigious World Top 100 ranking, examining golf courses from both our main list and contenders that accept green fee players. The result: 70 of the world's most spectacular golf courses you can actually play.
Unlike other "courses you can play" lists, our ranking focuses on true world-class quality rather than simply public accessibility. We've excluded most American private clubs (except resort destinations like Sand Valley and Bandon Dunes, plus publicly-owned courses like Bethpage Black) to focus on genuinely accessible world-class golf.
The numbers tell an incredible story about golf accessibility outside the United States:
These statistics shatter the myth that golf's greatest venues are exclusively private.
Our analysis reveals that Great Britain and Ireland dominates accessible world-class golf. The region's links courses represent golf in its purest form, and most welcome visitors who book in advance and pay appropriate green fees.
Scotland leads with legendary venues like St. Andrews, Royal Dornoch, and Turnberry. England contributes classics including Sunningdale and Royal St. George's. Ireland and Northern Ireland add gems like Lahinch and Royal County Down.
The following countries offer their very best golf courses to green fee players:
GB&I: England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales,
Europe: Norway, Spain
Asia: Australia, South Korea
Americas: Bermuda, Dominican Republic
Middle East: United Arab Emirates
Africa: South Africa
Both Australia and New Zealand have embraced the British philosophy of making world-class golf accessible to visitors. Australia shines with 10 entries in our ranking, including Royal Melbourne West and the spectacular Cape Wickham Links. New Zealand contributes several outstanding courses, with only the ultra-exclusive Tara Iti as the exception to the general rule of accessible golf in New Zealand.
While most top American courses remain private, several resort destinations offer world-class golf:
Bandon Dunes Resort, Oregon - Features four courses in our top 70, establishing itself as the world's premier golf resort for serious players
Sand Valley Resort, Wisconsin - Multiple courses including Sand Valley and Mammoth Dunes
Streamsong Resort, Florida - All three courses (Red, Blue, and Black) welcome public play
Kiawah Island, South Carolina - The Ocean Course, site of multiple major championships
Bethpage State Park, New York - The Black Course proves that municipal golf can achieve world-class status
Most world-class courses accepting public play require advance booking:
Expert Golf Travel Planning: For golfers serious about accessing the world's best courses, consider partnering with specialists who understand the booking intricacies of elite venues. Lockhart Travel Club offers members exclusive access to world-class golf exploration and adventure, with expertise in securing tee times at the most sought-after courses globally. Their insider knowledge and established relationships can be invaluable when planning once-in-a-lifetime golf experiences at courses that typically book out months in advance.
Expect premium pricing for premium golf:
Some courses offer preferential booking through on-site accommodation or partner hotels—particularly valuable for international visitors.
We're developing additional resources for golfers seeking world-class experiences at various price points:
Lowest Price Best Golf Courses in the World You Can Play - Highlighting exceptional quality at accessible prices
Value Indexed Best Golf Courses in the World You Can Play - Ranking courses by quality-to-price ratio
Despite golf's reputation as an elitist sport, our research proves that the majority of the world's greatest golf courses (outside the USA) welcome visitors willing to pay green fees. This accessibility makes golf travel more rewarding than ever for passionate golfers.
The Best Golf Courses in the World You Can Play ranking demonstrates that dream golf is more attainable than most golfers realize. Whether you're planning a pilgrimage to St. Andrews, a links tour of Scotland and Ireland, or an Australian golf adventure, world-class golf awaits your booking.
Subscribe today to access detailed course profiles, booking information, and insider tips for playing the world's greatest accessible golf courses.
